We are human and humans are "herd animals", lol. We are not meant to be alone. We do better in tribes and/or large families, as history says. Since we don't have either, lets stop shutting ourselves off from the world in fear that someone around us might think we are fat or ugly.

"We have the freedom to think anything we want about ourselves, so why choose to belittle ourselves?" Louise L. Hay.

We are human and humans are "herd animals", lol. We are not meant to be alone. We do better in tribes and/or large families, as history says. Since we don't have either, lets stop shutting ourselves off from the world in fear that someone around us might think we are fat or ugly.

"We have the freedom to think anything we want about ourselves, so why choose to belittle ourselves?" Louise L. Hay.

I love the support from my "curlfriends"

Originally Posted by ChiaPet

Very true. No matter how hard we try, at the end of the day "no man is an island." I'm learning that the hard way. I would love to have a large family one day, especially because I'm an only child. But then the whole "i'll never get married" thought comes in anyway, that's what therapy is for isn't it? hurray for curlfriends

2/c and some 3A.
Protein sensitive but can use occasionally
Highly porous. Color over grey.
Best 1st day method: Super Soaker
Stylers: Mix Curls in a Bottle into everything for shine. Terrible pj
Sometimes try roller sets - classic glamor but I prefer my curls. Every day is a gift

There are natural remedies for depression that have less side effects than prescription medications. I take Amazon.com: THORNE RESEARCH - Deproloft-HF - 120 caps [Health and Beauty]: Health & Personal Care because it is one product that combines quite a few different natural substances that individually are believed to help depression. I can really tell a difference with it. I sleep better and when I sleep better, everything improves! I can also tell that my mood has improved: I no longer have that constant overwhelming feeling of dispair.

Originally Posted by goldencurly

Thanks goldencurly. I have a bottle of Deproloft in my cart right now. Do you happen to take St. John's Wort with it as it is not part of the formula anymore?

Here's some advice - I hope it is helpful, but I know depression is very complicated and I am not a professional.

First, have you been checked out thoroughly to make sure there is no physical basis for your depression such as low iron or low thyroid?

Second, if there is a bookstore near you with a good selection of books on depression, skim through some of them. See if any of the therapies sound like they might be helpful for you.

Do you have a close friend you can really talk to?
If you are religious, have you considered talking to a religious advisor or praying?

Try keeping a little journal each day. Write about how you feel and why. You need to sort out what is making you so unhappy.

Some people find exercise helpful. I advocate exercise strongly for other reasons but it never helped me when I was depressed. Maybe it would help you.

Some people feel better if they have a pet. Do you think that might help you?

Some people feel better if they help other people. Have you ever volunteered to help others?

For me, what worked was finding someone I could really talk to but sometimes you can't find that someone. Another thing that helped me is a book called "Constructive Living." It is not pro psychiatry at all and the precepts are very difficult to follow but it helped me a lot.

{{{ChiaPet}}} I hope you feel better and here's a small ray of sunshine - Your screen name is very creative - have you thought of doing something artistic? Maybe you need a creative outlet like acting or painting. Please post back and let us know how you are doing. You are not alone!

Originally Posted by curlypearl

Thanks for reaching out, curlypearl and thanks for the hug. I can tell you have a very kind soul

I'm really tired right now, I only got 4 hours of sleep last night, grrr. But I wanted to give all you lovely ladies a shout out for giving me and others going through this, some really great advice and loving support.

I also wanted to mention this quote I came across last night while reading in bed. It's from one of the many articles from this site called Pick the Brain. I couldn't stop reading. Every time I would complete an article there would be more article suggestions to read at the bottom. It's all about self improvement. Which I could use a lot of. Anyways, here's one quote that really stuck with me…

"The act of searching our minds for things that we’re grateful for is a brilliant state changer. It will improve your mood, make you feel more resourceful and stop any thoughts of self-pity that can lead toward developing a victim mindset from creeping in"

ChiaPet,
Thanks for your very kind words. I had a bad day today and all the pain and fears resurfaced for a while. I have struggled so hard with anxiety and depression.

I truly wish you and everyone on this thread well. My heart goes out to people who suffer as you are suffering. Good luck with everything and for what comfort it gives - it bears repeating - you are not alone!

2/c and some 3A.
Protein sensitive but can use occasionally
Highly porous. Color over grey.
Best 1st day method: Super Soaker
Stylers: Mix Curls in a Bottle into everything for shine. Terrible pj
Sometimes try roller sets - classic glamor but I prefer my curls. Every day is a gift

Hey curlypearl I've been having those days too. Freaking out because I keep thinking I will fail grad school, never have friends, always be alone, always be depressed, etc. U know how it is. I know how horrible they are. I hope you feel better soon.

I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.
Audrey Hepburn